ATM - Belize


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Published: November 19th 2009
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Deep in the ATM cavesDeep in the ATM cavesDeep in the ATM caves

One of the best experiences
ATM is a Mayan cave archeological site which everyone we met had been raving about. Just 30 minutes drive from Belmopan and we transferred to a 4 x 4 for a bone rattling ride into the middle of nowhere past row upon row of orange trees and grapefruits all looking just ready to eat. Finally arrived in the middle of nowhere and I mean absolutely nothing - no houses, shops or anything. Again just the two of us on the tour so once we had our helmets and head torches we were off for a 2.5k trek under the canopy wading through the river three times to get to the site. This Mayan site is significant as it was clearly a place where major sacrifices of animals and people took place and is such a bit of a tomb. I knew we had to swim into the caves but what I did not realise is we would be in there for about 2.5 hours climbing through tiny gaps some of which Neil had to do sideways and sometimes swimming and other times just upto our knees or waist in water. The most amazing rock formations throughout and after about an hour
Neil - ATMNeil - ATMNeil - ATM

Swimming out of the caves
we reached the Cathedral area - suddenly high ceiling and lots of Mayan pots, skeletons etc which have sat there since 300 - 900 ad when they were using the cave regularly. Mayans believe that we start in caves as spirits and go back there in the end so the local guide said he believed past relatives were with him there - perhaps a line but he seemed quite moved by the place. Absolutely loved every second and can really see now why people get a kick out of free climbing and caving. Was one hell of a long day and our guide drove us back into Belize City for a final night in the country before departing for Guatamala.


Additional photos below
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ATMATM
ATM

Making our way upto the Cathedral area - lots of low ceilings and plenty of water
Base area ATMBase area ATM
Base area ATM

About to start our trek to the ATM archeological area
ATMATM
ATM

Mayan articles from 300 - 900 ad - base covered with the 1000 year growth of a stalagmite.


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